2012 Amgen Tour of California

Visit California is pleased to be a part of the 2012 Amgen Tour of California cycling event. Explore our diverse towns and scenic landscape, as the race travels through much of our beautiful and abundant state; from the North Coast and Bay Area to the bountiful Central Valley and Los Angeles landmarks. Relax and enjoy arts, shopping and incredible wine and food at all eight stages of the event, and make the most of every California moment!

Visit the Amgen Tour of California web site for more information on the race.

STAGE 1, May 13: Santa Rosa

Stop by the California Welcome Center in Santa Rosa. Personal travel concierges answer your travel questions and offer free brochures, guides and maps, plus helpful tips on dining, shopping, lodging and things to do.

Visit Africa in Northern California. See giraffes - and nearly 200 other African animals - on a guided tour at Safari West.

Unmask Snoopy at the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center. Pay homage to the creator of the "Peanuts" cartoons. Download a coupon here.

STAGE 2, May 14: San Francisco to Santa Cruz County

Get your fill at famed Fisherman's Wharf. You'll never go hungry with a bounty of fresh seafood, sourdough, and Ghirardelli chocolate. Stop by the California Welcome Center for help making plans.

Escape the excitement with a visit to Baker Beach. This remote and wild stretch of beach is ideal for strolling, picnicking, fishing, and taking in the spectacular Golden Gate Bridge.

Go whale watching in the Monterey Bay. Spot magnificent blue whales, dolphins, and orcas on special kayak excursions.

STAGE 3, May 15: San Jose to Livermore

Get hands-on at The Tech Museum. Explore the Spirit of Silicon Valley at this dynamic museum devoted to technology. Download a coupon here.

Take a swing at Poppy Ridge Golf Course. The 27-hole course is set against the rolling and rugged countryside of the Livermore Valley.

Enjoy a meal at the Restaurant at Wente Vineyards. Dine on sustainable, organically grown ingredients. Wash dinner down with Wente wines.

STAGE 4, May 16: Sonora to Clovis

Start the day with ride of your own. Pedal along the Old Clovis Trail for a peaceful outing, or get your blood flowing at the mountain bike park.

Make Golden memories along historic Highway 49. Discover secret springs, romantic vineyards, and charming towns.

After the race, taste a bevy of international wines. Stop by Trelio Restaurant & Wine Bar for a bite to eat paired with wine and beer from around the world.

STAGE 5, May 17: Bakersfield

Stop by a historic hotel for Basque cuisine. You can’t go wrong with the communal feast at the Noriega Hotel.

Kick up your heels at this landmark country music venue. Catch a live performance – and grab a bite – at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace.

Explore the Kern County Museum. Discover Bakersfield's musical roots and its boom town past.

STAGE 6, May 18: Palmdale to Big Bear Lake

Treat yourself in Lake Arrowhead. Enjoy the low-key charm and luxury of this retreat in the San Bernardino Mountains.

Pedal into the pines at Big Bear Lake. Stop racing and cruise along miles of trails and paved paths along the lake.

Reconnect with nature. Take a hike on one of the hundreds of trails near Big Bear Lake.

STAGE 7, May 19: Ontario to Mt. Baldy

Shopping and entertainment at a great mall. Stop by the Ontario Mills for a little shopping before or after the Tour.

Pop down a succulent olive. Stock up on all things olive at the Graber Olive House in Ontario.

Take a ride through Angeles National Forest. The San Gabriel Mountains surrounding Pasadena are etched with great mountain biking trails.

STAGE 8, May 20: Beverly Hills to Los Angeles

Window shop to your heart’s content. Stroll the iconic Beverly Hills strip for magnificent shopping and celeb watching.

Soothe your mind and body. Escape the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles at the Spa at the Ritz-Carlton in downtown L.A.

Celebrate in downtown L.A. after the race. Still looking for some fun and excitement once Amgen has finished? Look no further than L.A. LIVE.